You’ve probably heard of collagen in your biology class or cosmetic products such as moisturizers. Collagen accounts for the highest protein levels in the human body, and it’s an important component of the body’s tendons, skin, connective tissue, skeletal muscle and nails. It gives the bones strength and elasticity to the skin. However, insufficiency of collagen can result in various skin and bone problems, or worse, a negative impact on overall health.
Many researchers and medical groups became obsessed with collagen supplements as an alternative to the natural ones produced by the human body. Today, numerous multi-collagen supplements can help you have the right amount of collagen.
Aside from being an effective anti-aging agent and delivering healthy skin, here are five ways collagen can benefit your health:
#1 Supply the Right Amount of Collagen
Collagen generally acts as a building block that keeps your body together. According to research, it accounts for roughly one-third of the protein in the body. Unfortunately, the body produces less collagen in the mid-thirties and early fifties. Alternatively, once collagen peptides are incorporated into your diet, they will assist in replacing what the body lacks to produce and support your overall health.
#2 Good Cardiovascular Health
Collagen is a structural component that helps provide structure to arteries, resulting in stronger blood vessels and a lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Conversely, when collagen levels are low, blood vessels can become weak. It can lead to atherosclerosis, a circulatory system illness and other health issues. Consuming collagen can help to maximize HDL levels, which means good cholesterol that can reach up to 6% approximately.
HDL, or high-density lipoprotein, plays an important role in the risk of heart disease. Therefore, receiving collagen supplements can certainly assist even more in lowering the risk of developing any moderate to severe heart conditions.
#3 Can Prevent Future Bone Loss
Bones are acknowledged mostly to be formed by collagen, which gives them their composition and keeps them powerful. However, bone mass disintegrates with age, leading to osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and autoimmune joint conditions.
Osteoporosis is characterized by low bone density and an increased risk of bone fractures. Osteoarthritis is a condition in which the cartilage in the joints deteriorates, causing stiffness and impaired mobility. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune joint condition that causes chronic inflammation and synovial hyperplasia in the joints.
Several research has shown that collagen ingestion can prevent bone breakdown. In addition, collagen has dramatically enhanced BMD and lowered blood levels of proteins that promote bone breakdown. Taking collagen supplements may reduce the risk of bone disorders.
#4 Increase Muscle Mass & Metabolism
Collagen is also a component of muscle tissue. It also contains glycine, which aids in the formation of muscle tissue by transforming glucose into energy that sustains muscle cells. Collagen provides an additional boost to help you get through strenuous workouts like high-intensity training. Acquiring collagen supplements will lead to more effective strength training and increased muscle mass.
#5 Aids in Detoxification
When it comes to the nutrition of our liver, the amino acids glutamine and glycine found in collagen are crucial. These amino acids aid in the body’s natural detoxification process. Once merged, they could indeed generate glutathione, which is regarded as the master antioxidant considered necessary by the liver to conduct the detoxification process.
The Natural Collagen Production
When your body creates collagen, it aims to combine amino acids and nutrients obtained from protein-rich foods such as beef, chicken, fish, beans, eggs and dairy products. Also, sufficient vitamin C, zinc and copper are also required. Vitamin C can be obtained from citrus, red and green capsicum, tomatoes, cauliflower and leafy vegetables. While you can obtain minerals by consuming meats, shellfish, nuts, whole grains, and beans.
However, your body will no longer digest or synthesize nutrients well as you get older. To ensure that your body has more than enough resources to produce collagen, you might change your eating habits or take nutritional supplements. Collagen can be purchased in powder or pill form. They can be added directly to protein shakes or your morning cup of coffee, depending entirely on your choice.
The Complete Source Protein?
Collagen is a unique type of protein, as it does not have all nine of the essential amino acids that a complete protein requires. It does contain some essential amino acids that are lacking in many modern diets and are effective in recovery and repair.
That means taking a collagen supplement can be effective in acting as the glue that holds much of our bodies together, keeping us strong and flexible, but it should not be taken as your main protein source.
Collagen is associated with several health benefits and very few known risks. With collagen being the most abundant protein in your body and fibrous tissue, it is no doubt the best one to support for longer healthier life.
